Historic Staten Island Parish to Replace Century-Old Organ

The Church of St. Andrew, a historic Staten Island institution founded in 1708, is preparing to modernize its musical infrastructure. Church leadership announced plans to replace the congregation’s 118-year-old pipe organ with a digital alternative, citing the prohibitive cost of restoration.

According to the Rev. Terrence Buckley, the original instrument has reached the end of its functional lifespan. While the church received estimates of $1 million to restore the existing pipe organ, the cost of the proposed digital replacement is significantly lower at $275,000. Parish historian Dennis Genovese noted that the digital system is designed to closely replicate the acoustic profile of a traditional pipe organ, suggesting that listeners would struggle to distinguish between the two.

While the internal mechanical components and damaged pipes are slated for removal, the church intends to keep the pipes currently facing the sanctuary in place to preserve the building's aesthetic character. The church, which holds a royal charter granted by Queen Anne and maintains an original King James Bible, views this transition as a necessary step to ensure the continuation of its musical traditions.

Fundraising efforts are currently underway to cover the $275,000 expense. As of early August 2026, the parish has successfully collected $150,000 from congregants and community supporters. Church leaders expressed optimism that the remaining funds will be secured in time for the installation of the new system by the upcoming Christmas season, marking a new chapter for the pre-Revolutionary War site.